Marcel Joseph Ernest Lacroix

It is with love, gratitude, and sadness that we share the passing of Marcel Joseph Ernest Lacroix a man whose greatest joy and purpose was his family.

Marcel Lacroix, born May 24, 1942, was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, and an ol’ mighty neighbour! Marcel was a devoted father to his children: Danny, Joanne, Monique, and Denis (Asmaa). His grandchildren: Sean (Alanna), Mandy (Mike), Shannon (Chris), and Hope. Great-grandfather to: Kayden, Grace, Tucker, and Brooklyn. He was also an uncle to: Serge, Carol, Jean-Luc, Diane, Linda, Lise, Stephane, Sandra, Jean-Marc, Christine (O’Reilly), Chantal, Michel, Richard, Micheline (Mimi), Emajean, his community, and all those he took under his wing — like Weazy, Stephane L., Dave B., to name a few. Marcel is survived by his sisters: Paulette and Denise.

Family ties were everything to him. They weren’t just connections by blood — they were bonds built from love, loyalty, and quiet acts of care. Marcel had a way of making everyone feel safe. His love wasn’t loud, but it was constant — steady as the hum of an engine, warm as the home he built around us.

Marcel was predeceased by his mother Noëlla, his father Léo-Paul, and his siblings: JP (Jean-Paul), Thérèse, Aline, and Noël.

He had four children, and each of them found in him not just a father but a teacher, a listener, and a comforting presence. His nurturing nature extended beyond his own family — anyone who needed guidance or kindness could find it in him. One of the greatest testaments to his love was the home he built for the love of his life of 63 years, Lise. Brick by brick, he created her dream house — every nail, every wall, every corner shaped by his dexterous and skillful hands and his huge heart. He wanted her to have a place where she could feel happy, safe, and at peace. Her happiness was always his priority, and that home stood as a symbol of the love and dedication that carried them through their life together.

After a long hard day at work, he embraced his past times with countless hours under the hood of a car for his family or his neighbours, in frigid temperatures, and even with a broken leg, Lise would send him to the basement to clean the oil off his hands before his shower. And that’s when one of his purest joys came to life. With his booming voice echoing through the house, he’d sing his heart out — usually Hank Williams — as if no one was listening, though we all were, smiling quietly.

Then, freshly showered, he’d make his way to the kitchen on Penny Drive, standing by the window, and, gazing at his reflection, continue singing as he combed his hair like Elvis. Those were the small, perfect moments and dedication that showed the simple happiness he carried in his heart.

He and Lise loved to unwind together in the evenings, watching TV side by side on the loveseat — content in each other’s company after a day well spent. Marcel also had a special place in his heart for animals. His bond with Kevin, (a.k.a. Boo-Boo), was something beautiful to witness — pure devotion and trust. The way Kevin adored both him and Lise said everything about the love they gave and the peace they created around them. Marcel had a tenderness for all living things, a quiet empathy that seemed to draw animals toward him as naturally as people.

That same kindness reached far beyond his own home. He was known and loved throughout the community — the kind of neighbour everyone respected and enjoyed talking to. During some of his hardest times, when he was struggling with deep sadness, his daily walks with Kevin became his lifeline. Those walks led him to meet wonderful people — strangers who became friends, and friends who became part of his story. His welcoming nature seamlessly created an endless bond with Hélène. Naturally Marcel gravitated to her dog, which led to a coffee invite with his wife Lise, they quickly formed an instant and lasting bond. His openness, his humor, and his heart built bonds that lifted not only himself but others too. He reminded people that a simple “hello,” a shared story, or a walk on a quiet street can change everything.

His spirit animal was the deer — gentle, observant, and deeply connected to the world around it, that was him. Calm and kind, yet strong and alert when those he loved needed protection. Though his patience sometimes wore thin during renovations or car projects, his heart never ran out of space for those he cared for. He shared a lifetime of love with his wife, our Mama, our Nanny, Lise. Now we picture them together again — reunited, hand in hand, laughing and singing once more. Even through his fleeting battle with pancreatic cancer, Dad/Grampa showed us what courage looks like. Surrounded by his loved ones, he passed as he lived — with grace, strength, and unwavering love.

He leaves behind so much more than memories. He leaves a legacy of tenderness, resilience, and devotion that will ripple through generations. His presence will forever live in the way we care for one another, in the way we gather as a family, and in the way we love without measure — just as he taught us.

His road here has come to an end, but his song carries on — in our hearts, in our laughter, and in the love we share. We will carry him with us always, and when we hear a Hank Williams tune, we’ll smile — because we’ll know he’s singing along.

We are so thankful that Grampa kept his promise and asked us for help if he needed it, we were honored beyond words to have been there to help him cross Heaven’s Gate to reach high up in the sky to see Nanny once again! You showed us what true love and loyalty look like — not just in life, but in the journey beyond it.

The day you passed, white feathers appeared all around — quiet, gentle reminders that you and Mama/Nanny were nearby. The last one landed on the doctor’s shoulder, as if to let us know that Mama/Nanny was there, waiting for you, ready to guide you home. White feathers are said to be signs of peace, protection, and heavenly love — and that’s exactly what we felt in that moment!

Rest peacefully now, Daddy/Grandpa, with Mama/Nanny by your side — the two of you riding together again, your favorite cars gleaming in the sun, music in the air, love all around. Until we meet again. Miss you already and love you to eternity! XOXO

A special thank you to Dr. Hacker, Dr. Logan, Dr. Douglas of the Palliative Home Care Team, Avan (PSW), Dr. Niralli and staff at the Queensway Carleton Hospital ACE Unit, for the compassionate care Marcel received throughout his courageous and unexpected Cancer battle.

Thank you to Lise’s/Marcel’s special friend Hélène, and granddaughter Mandy for sharing laughs, love, companionship, support, strength, and everything in between to make him continuously smile and enjoy the comfort of his surroundings in his last few weeks!

Acknowledging Marcel's wishes, please join us for a Catholic Funeral Mass in honor of our beloved Daddy/Grampa, Marcel Lacroix on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

In lieu of flowers and for those wishing donations to: Victoria Quilts Canada would be greatly appreciated as this a cause that was dear to Dad and Mom (and they BOTH received a prayer blanket from them) and or please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society .

CEREMONY Details

Mass:

Place: St. Basil’s Catholic Parish Church

Date: Saturday, October 25th @ 12:30 PM

Address: 940 Rex Avenue

OR

899 Maitland --> Queensway travelling: Exit Maitland, head North of the exit ramps. Off Maitland, you will enter a long parking lot that leads to the double garages and the church.

RECEPTION to follow:

Place: Westcliffe Estates Community Association (WECA)

Date: Saturday, October 25th @ 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM,

Address: 681 Seyton Drive Nepean, ON, K2H 0C8